DreamWorks Studios and Universal Pictures have acquired the rights to Platinum Studios’ best-selling graphic novel Cowboys & Aliens, it was announced today by Adam Goodman, President of Production for DreamWorks Studios, and Donna Langley, President of Production for Universal Pictures.

Created by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, Cowboys & Aliens was published in 2006 by Platinum Studios and was the #1 ordered graphic novel of the year. Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby are expected to adapt the science fiction western adventure for the screen.

DreamWorks and Universal are co-developing and will co-produce the live-action feature film adaptation.

“This property captured our imagination as soon as we became aware of it,” said Adam Goodman. “We kept trying to make it happen and finally all the elements have come together with thanks to Alex Kurtzman and Bob Orci, Universal, Imagine, Platinum, and the creative talents who have also joined us.”

“‘Cowboys & Aliens’ is a unique property with a rabid fan base that can’t wait to see this story on the screen,” said Donna Langley. “With this creative team in place, we have great hopes that it can meet the expectations of the fans, and we couldn’t be more excited to be part of this project.”

Imagine partners Brian Grazer and Ron Howard said, “This is incredibly exciting for us both creatively and professionally. ‘Cowboys & Aliens’ is unique and challenging material, and we can’t wait to roll up our sleeves and come up with a truly distinctive film.”

“This is a cool sci-fi and western mix and we couldn’t be more excited with the support we’re getting from this creative team,” said Scott Mitchell Rosenberg. “Wow! Working with Ron, Brian, and our friends at DreamWorks and Universal is a dream come true.”

Kurtzman and Orci currently have an overall producing deal with DreamWorks Studios. They wrote the screenplays for two DreamWorks projects, next month’s Transformers and 2005’s The Island. Among their other writing credits are Mission: Impossible 3, The Legend of Zorro, and next year’s Star Trek, which they are also executive producing. They also served as producers and writers on the hit TV series, “Alias.”

Writing partners Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby’s previous credits include the upcoming release Iron Man, and they were nominated this year for an Academy AwardÂ® for their Children of Men screenplay.